- Nigerian Star Tolu Arokodare Crowned Best African Player in Belgium.
- KRC Genk Striker Nets 20 Goals to Secure 2024/25 Ebony Shoe Award.
- Super Eagles Forward Joins Elite List of Nigerian Winners in Belgium.
Nigerian forward, Tolu Arokodare has achieved a significant career milestone by clinching the 2024/25 Ebony Shoe Award in the Belgian Pro League.
The award is a prestigious accolade presented annually to the best African footballer in the League.
Representing KRC Genk, Arokodare scored 20 goals this season, placing him second on the league’s top scorers chart.
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His stellar performances played a pivotal role in helping Genk finish at the top of the regular season table, although the team encountered challenges during the championship play-offs.
Arokodare’s Impactful Season with KRC Genk
At just 24 years of age, Arokodare has emerged as one of the most exciting African talents in European football.
Throughout the 2024/25 campaign, he consistently delivered for Genk, combining physical presence with a sharp eye for goal.
His 20-goal haul did not just reflect personal excellence , it also demonstrated his ability to influence big games and lift his team’s attacking momentum.
The Nigerian outshined other notable contenders for the award, including Noah Sidiki of Union Saint-Gilloise, Genk teammate Zakaria El Ouahdi, Union Saint-Gilloise’s Promise David, and fellow Nigerian Raphael Onyedika of Club Brugge.
With this recognition, Arokodare becomes the seventh Nigerian to claim the Ebony Shoe, joining an elite group that includes Daniel Amokachi, Victor Ikpeba, Godwin Opara, Celestine Babayaro, and Paul Onuachu, who last won the award in 2021.
From Festac Town to the European Stage
Born in Festac Town, Lagos, Arokodare’s journey to the European spotlight is a story of dedication and steady progression.
In 2025, he earned his debut for the Super Eagles, coming on as a substitute for Victor Osimhen during a FIFA World Cup qualifying match against Rwanda.
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A few days later, he made another appearance in a 1–1 draw against Zimbabwe in the same qualification series.
These early international caps have added to his growing profile, signaling his readiness to contribute to Nigeria’s future campaigns on the continental and global stage.
A Symbol of Nigerian Football Excellence Abroad
Winning the Ebony Shoe Award solidifies Arokodare’s place among the finest Nigerian exports in European football.
This recognition does not only celebrate his finishing prowess but also underscores his work ethic, discipline, and growth as a modern striker.
As scouts from top European clubs monitor his development, a potential transfer to one of Europe’s elite leagues could be on the horizon.
For Genk, his continued presence offers strength up front.
For Nigeria, it marks the emergence of another dependable option in attack — a forward capable of rising to the demands of international football.
Conclusion: A Season to Remember for Tolu Arokodare
Tolu Arokodare’s Ebony Shoe Award win caps off a season filled with personal milestones and professional achievements.
His consistent form, commanding performances, and vital contributions have set him apart as one of the brightest stars in African football today.
As he continues to evolve, the football world will be watching and expecting even greater things from this Nigerian talent.
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